At Total Dance, we know that supporting your child's dance journey goes well beyond buying the right uniform or shoes. Behind every confident performance is a dedicated dancer who trains hard, stretches further, and looks after their body. As Australia's home of premium dancewear, we've put together this practical buying guide to help you navigate the world of dance training equipment, so you can make informed choices that support your child's development, comfort, and longevity in the studio.
Whether your daughter is a committed ballet student working toward her next exam or a jazz dancer preparing for competition season, the right training tools can make a real difference to how she progresses and how she feels. Read on to find out what each product does, who it's best suited to, and what to look for before you buy.
Why Dance Equipment and Training Aids Matter
Dance is a physically demanding discipline. Young dancers spend hours each week building flexibility, strength, coordination, and technique. Without the right support, the risk of overuse injuries increases and progress can stall. Quality training aids bridge the gap between natural talent and technical achievement, helping young dancers train smarter and recover better.
For parents, the challenge is knowing which products are genuinely useful and which are simply nice to have. The guide below focuses on five essential categories: massage balls, knee pads, resistance bands, split bricks, and odour management solutions. You can browse our full range of training tools and accessories in our dance equipment and training aids collection.
A Guide to Each Type of Dance Training Aid
Massage Balls: Recovery for Little Muscles
What they do: Massage balls are small, firm balls used to apply targeted pressure to tight or sore muscles. In dance, they're most commonly used on the soles of the feet, calves, hamstrings, and lower back. Rolling a massage ball under the foot before or after class helps release fascial tension, improve circulation, and reduce the discomfort that comes with intensive training.
Who needs one: Massage balls are beneficial for dancers of all ages and styles, but they're particularly valuable for ballet students who spend extended time in pointe or demi-pointe, and for contemporary and lyrical dancers who place significant demand on their feet and lower limbs.
What to look for: Choose a ball with a firm but not rigid texture , too soft and it won't provide enough pressure; too hard and it may cause bruising on sensitive young feet. A ball approximately 6,8 cm in diameter is a practical size for children. Look for one that's easy to grip and non-slip on studio floors.
Knee Pads: Protection for Floor Work
What they do: Knee pads cushion and protect the knees during floor-based movements, including slides, drops, and prolonged kneeling. They're especially important in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop styles where choreography regularly takes dancers to the ground.
Who needs one: Any dancer whose style involves significant floor work should have a pair of knee pads. They're also a sensible precaution for younger beginners who are still developing body awareness and may land with more force than intended.
What to look for: Fit is the most important factor. Knee pads should sit snugly without restricting movement or cutting off circulation. Look for a low-profile design that doesn't add bulk under costumes or leggings. Padding material matters too , gel-filled pads offer more targeted protection, while foam pads tend to be lighter and more flexible. For children, check that the sizing is appropriate for smaller limbs, and opt for pads with secure, adjustable straps or sleeve-style designs that won't slip during class.
Resistance Bands: Building Strength and Flexibility
What they do: Resistance bands are elastic bands used to add gentle load to stretching and strengthening exercises. In dance training, they're used to develop foot and ankle strength, improve turnout, work the hip flexors, and increase the range of motion in the legs and arms. They're a staple of many dance teachers' conditioning programmes.
Who needs one: Resistance bands suit a wide age range and are used across all dance genres. They're particularly popular with ballet students working on foot articulation and pointe preparation, and with dancers at the intermediate to senior levels who have a structured conditioning programme in place.
What to look for: Resistance bands are available in loops or long strips, and in varying levels of resistance, usually indicated by colour. For children and younger teens, a light to medium resistance is appropriate. Heavier bands are better suited to older or more advanced dancers. Latex-free bands are a smart choice for children with sensitivities. Ensure the band is long enough to loop comfortably around the foot when the leg is extended. Quality matters here , a band that snaps mid-stretch can cause injury, so choose brands with a track record in dance or rehabilitation.
Split Bricks: Working Toward Greater Flexibility
What they do: A split brick (sometimes called a flexibility block or yoga block) is a firm foam block used to deepen stretches safely and progressively. Dancers use them to elevate one foot during split training, allowing the hips to sink lower than the floor level and incrementally increasing flexibility over time. They can also be used to support the back leg in a lunge stretch or assist with hip-opening poses.
Who needs one: Split bricks are most commonly used by dancers actively working to achieve or improve their splits, which is relevant across ballet, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical styles. They're best introduced once a dancer has a solid foundation in active flexibility and is ready to work at a deeper level under appropriate guidance.
What to look for: A density that provides firm, stable support is essential , the block should not compress significantly under the dancer's weight. Standard yoga brick dimensions (approximately 23 x 15 x 10 cm) work well for most children and teens. Some dancers prefer a slightly smaller size for more control. Lightweight, closed-cell foam is the most practical material as it's easy to carry and wipe clean. A single brick is sufficient to start; having two allows for more advanced variations.
A note on safety: Flexibility training should always be supervised and age-appropriate. Overstretching in young dancers whose bodies are still developing can lead to injury. For guidance on appropriate physical activity and safe training for children, Raising Children Network offers evidence-based advice on physical activity for young people.
Deodorising Pouches: Keeping Dance Bags Fresh
What they do: Dance bags carry a lot of sweat, and after a few weeks of classes, the inside of a dance bag can develop a strong odour from shoes, damp clothing, and accessories. Deodorising pouches, often filled with activated charcoal or similar odour-absorbing materials, sit inside the bag or shoes to neutralise smells without the use of chemical sprays.
Who needs one: Any dancer who attends multiple classes per week will benefit from a deodorising pouch. They're particularly useful for tap and jazz shoes, which tend to absorb more moisture than ballet slippers, and for dancers who store their entire kit in one bag between school and the studio.
What to look for: Activated charcoal pouches are a popular and effective option. Look for ones that are reusable and can be refreshed by placing them in direct sunlight every few weeks. Check the size, as a pouch that's too large won't fit inside a shoe. Fragrance-free varieties are preferable for children who may be sensitive to added scents. Having two or three pouches means you can rotate them between shoes and the bag simultaneously.
Buying Tips for Dance Parents
Before adding any training aid to your cart, keep the following in mind:
- Check with your child's teacher first. Many studios have recommendations or even requirements around certain training aids, particularly for exam students. Your teacher is the best first point of call before investing in flexibility or conditioning equipment.
- Buy for your child's current level, not a future goal. Training aids are most effective when they match where a dancer is right now. A resistance band that's too heavy or a split brick used before a dancer has adequate active flexibility can do more harm than good.
- Quality over quantity. A small selection of well-made, appropriate tools is far more useful than a bag full of items that don't get used or don't perform as expected.
- Label everything. Dance studios are busy places and training aids look similar between students. Use a permanent marker or adhesive label to mark your child's name on every item.
- Replace worn items promptly. Resistance bands that show signs of cracking, knee pads with compressed padding, and massage balls that have lost their firmness should be replaced to ensure they continue to serve their purpose effectively.
You'll find a carefully selected range of training tools to support your dancer at every stage of their journey when you shop our dance equipment and training aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child start using a split brick?
Most dance teachers introduce flexibility props like split bricks with students from around age 8 to 10, once they have a strong foundation in active flexibility and body awareness. That said, every child's body develops differently, and the guidance of your child's dance teacher should always take priority. Passive overstretching in very young dancers is not recommended.
Are resistance bands safe for children to use at home?
Yes, when used correctly and with appropriate resistance levels, bands are safe for children. Always choose a light resistance for younger or newer dancers, and ensure your child has been shown the correct technique by their teacher before practising at home. Bands should be inspected before each use for any signs of wear or cracking.
How often should my child use a massage ball?
A few minutes of massage ball work before and after class is a healthy routine for most dancers. It helps warm up the feet before activity and assists with recovery afterwards. If your child is experiencing persistent soreness or pain, consult a physiotherapist or sports medicine professional rather than relying solely on self-massage tools.
How do I keep my child's dance bag smelling fresh between washes?
A combination of approaches works best. Allow shoes and damp clothing to air out before placing them back in the bag. Use deodorising pouches inside shoes and the main compartment of the bag. Wash dance clothing regularly and wipe the inside of the bag with a damp cloth periodically. Avoid storing wet items in a closed bag for extended periods.
Choosing the right training aids is one of the most practical ways you can support your child's dance education. With a little guidance, the right tools will help them train with greater confidence, care for their body, and enjoy the journey every step of the way. Explore our full selection of dance training equipment and accessories for kids at Total Dance, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help finding the right fit for your dancer.
